NHLFA/Survey Says: Bring Hockey Night in Canada to America!

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(CCNMatthews - April 9, 2007) - An overwhelming 86 per cent of respondents to the National Hockey League Fans' Association's Fan Report poll want the NHL and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) to bring "Hockey Night in Canada" to American fans via an American national public broadcaster each Saturday night.

That view was reinforced when fans said the best way to help the NHL increase its fan base in the U.S. is to have more games played on a national U.S. public broadcaster.

Fans responded with a resounding "no" (81%) when asked if the league should consider providing two entertainment options with respect to NHL hockey - one a sanitized version aimed at family viewing, and a second "R" rated edition targeted to a fan base that enjoys the more violent side of the sport.

NHLFA members continue to be unconcerned, and in fact, are largely supportive of fighting in the NHL. When asked if the League should ban fighting, 91% of respondents said, "no". Eighty-three per cent also felt the NHL need take no action to try to reduce the number of fights in NHL games.

Jim Boone, co founder of the NHLFA, says he's pleased to see that more NHLFA members are responding to the poll year after year.

"People are coming to anticipate the annual poll because they know it provides a chance for their voices to be heard by senior officials at the NHL, up to and including Gary Bettman."

The NHLFA is a non-profit organization founded in 1998 to give hockey fans across North America and worldwide a way to express their views on NHL hockey and to influence the game for the better. Membership in the NHLFA is free and anyone can become a member by registering at www.nhlfa.com